Monday, December 3, 2012

THE CHRISTMAS ENTRY







"It's raining, it's pouring
The old man is snoring...




...He went to bed
And bumped his head
And couldn't get up in the morning."

An Old Nursery Rhyme


We have been having some very wet and wild weather here in the Sierra foothills of northern California.

The Cottage sits at the bottom of a steep hill, and the above river actually is the street that runs along side of us.  This is what it looked like this morning.

But, while the river raged, we were all merry and bright and had just settled down to another chapter of our Christmas story.

I've taken a few things from around the Cottage and put them to work as part of our Christmas display in the entry hall.





I've had this wreath for a long time hanging someplace else.  It is made up of faux eucalyptus leaves.  I added some dried hydrangeas from this summer's garden, the ribbon that was part of my birthday flowers from the kids, and some pine cones and berries that were left over from last Christmas.






I added some more hydrangea blooms into the faux peonies and roses that I have on the chest the rest of the year, in a bowl and pitcher I made.  The Santa is one I made at the same time I made the witches and my favorite little sheep accompanies him.  I've also added a small Americana tree with a tiny teddy bear and an old ring toss game.









I've had this Merry Christmas sign for many years.  Usually I put it out on the front porch by the door, but decided to change it around this year. Also there is a cross stitched likeness of Maggie, tucked inside a Santa hat, that I picked up at a thrift store, wishing one and all a Meowy Christmas.





I added another Santa that I made to the hall tree, a string of country mittens and some fresh greens with holly from the tree in our front garden.  Since we put up an artificial tree, I don't have any access to fresh greens.  We don't have any growing near by that are legal to pick but in years past we had a neighbor who had a large cedar tree in his yard and he was always very generous in letting us have some, but, unfortunately, he no longer lives there so we found fresh trees at one of the markets in town for $19 for a six foot tree, so that should do.  I really miss the cedar though.  It not only smells good but is so easy to work with and seems to last longer in the house.

"So, now is come our joyful'st feast; Let every man be jolly; Each room with ivy leaves is drest, and every post with holly."

George Wither






Our friendly greeter is adorned with a welcoming wreath and the picture of Teddy is a cross stitch I did in 2000 for Jake's baby room.




I made this wooden Santa many years ago.


Before closing this chapter, we'd like to wish Jake a very happy 19th birthday.





Where did the time go?

Jake, we are so proud of you
and
We love you to the moon...




...And back again.

Love, Grandpa and Grandma


Don't forget to mark your place in the story book and come back later to read more...Judy




I'm sharing with these happy parties:


































27 comments:

  1. Dear Judy..
    such a lovely post..and a happy birthday to dear little Jake!
    you are making your cottage look so lovely.
    i will be watching out to see some more.
    I will start my decorating on wednesday.. just simple this year.
    We will all be at my son Manel's farm.. a big family gathering.
    love to you both
    wishing you a happy 3rd December.
    not long to go.
    valxxxx

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  2. Your Christmas decor is so cute, I love that last stocking filled with toys. Your wreath is beautiful too.

    Blessings,
    Amy Jo

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  3. Who needs fresh greens when you have a hydrangeas to fill out the wreath. Very pretty. Love the mitten garland, the sign, the Santas, and the lovely cross stitch. Wishing Jake a Happy Birthday!

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  4. Judy-It may be raining but it looks like Christmas at your house anyway. I love it-especially the picture of Jake-how cute is that- Blessings to you-xo Diana

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  5. What a charming entry. The hydrangea wreath is amazing and all of the other quaint and adorable decorations...what a lovely space to great your holiday visitors.

    Hope you stay dry, it has been raining down here too but we are hearing that up north there has been a lot of damage.

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  6. Judy,
    Your home is such a joy! Everywhere you look there are delights to take in! Wonderful entry! I would feel so welcomed!
    dee dee

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  7. Hi Judy! I love seeing your classic decorations. Your home reminds me of pictures you see in all the "Twas the Night Before Christmas" stories. We are dying for rain. It would make things feel festive. Thanks so much for the feedback. I think my whole blog is ready to implode! Stay merry!

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  8. Hi Judy. Everything looks wonderful. Your decorations look vintage - love that. Happy birthday to your grandson! Hope it's drying out a bit for you. Thanks so much for popping in to see me.
    be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  9. Hi Judy,
    Oh, I'm glad I stopped by to see what you were up to! I love looking into your charming home and seeing the lovely Christmas decorating! That teddy bear getting ready to hop into bed is too cute! Such a sweetie grandson too! (They sure grow up too fast!). Thanks for sharing and happy week to you!
    Nancy

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  10. Hello Judy, You have won my granny chic book prize draw!! Would you please email me your full name and postage address to calam711@yahoo.co.uk and I will send it to you as soon as possible.Best wishes, Anne (marmalade and catmint)

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  11. Hi Judy! Sorry about all that rain. We need rain her in SC too. Your entry looks gorgeous. So warm and welcoming.

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  12. Judy, your home looks so festive and cozy. Your creations are fabulous, so much talent! Love the Santas you made and painted. The wreath on the mirror is beautiful. I don't think the word simplify is in my vocabulary! :-)
    Mary Alice

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  13. Hydrangeas beat fresh greens any day in my book (they're my favorite). Your home is so pretty and festive! Love that Santa you made.

    Wish we had some of your rain here in Georgia!

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  14. Hi Judy, thank you for your visit! Coming to your cottage is like receiving a warm hug. I love your cozy decorating style. xo

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  15. O, everything looks so merry and bright. I love your beautiful wreath.
    O, and the Santa is adorable.
    xo bj
    P.s....I have been looking for the flooring you have in your kitchen...haven't found it yet. I think I told you that my mama had it in HER kitchen for years and years and I always just loved it.:))

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  16. Hi Judy ... so happy that you stopped by Timeless Treasures and left a nice comment because now I have found your blog. OH MY ... I can spend hours here and looking at all your beautiful decorations. Love it all. I will be back to spend more time with you. You are one talented lady.
    Blessings and warm hugs.
    Audrey Z.
    http://audreyzumwalt.blogspot.com/

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  17. Hi Judy - what a beautiful idea for Christmas posts!!! Just love this - off now to read the one before
    XOX

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  18. your blog is just so delightful i look forward to reading it and love all your older post also

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much. I appreciate your kind comments and I wish you would leave your name so I could thank you more personally..Happy Weekend..Judy

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  19. Hi Judy, your post is s lovely with all of it's Holiday decor and quotes. Love the picture of Jake..They sure grow up fast. We are getting so much rain lately. I suppose we need it, however it makes it difficult to go out and shop in. Hugs, Linda

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  20. I think dried hygrangeas are always beautiful and your wreath is quite stunning!
    I love the wooden santa you made too :-)
    Cute pic of your grandson - time does seem to fly when you have growing kids in the family.
    Hope the rain eases up for you.
    blessings..Trish

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  21. OMGoodness, you are SO TALENTED!!!! I love the Santas that you have made, and the wreath looks beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!! As you know, I have collected santas for about 25 years and am now trying to just keep the best ones. Do you ever make them to sell??? Have a great evening. XO, Pinky

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  22. Hi Judy,
    What a lovely post! I love your Christmasy touches everywhere. Happy Birthday to your Jake too. December is a fun time to have a birthday.
    I wanted to thank you too for praying for my son. He's been through quite an ordeal and much more serious than we had expected. So thank you, every bit helps. Enjoy your weekend, my friend, and thanks for sharing this at my HOME.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  23. Your home is lovely, a touch of the old world, modern is easy to care for and has clean lines but no personality,your christmas bits add a finishing touch.
    Merle....

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  24. Oh Judy I LOVE the first piccie with 'lil Ted :o) He really made Me smile. Your decorating is beautiful and happy Belated Birthday wishes to Your Dear Grandson,I hope He had a lovely time.xxxlove Julie xxx

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  25. Sorry Judy,I forgot to mention how much I LOVE Teds pyjamas! So cute,xxxx

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  26. Such a pretty and nostalgic setting. It reminds me of an old world christmas. Visiting from Rose Chintz Cottage.

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Your comments are so special to me...Judy